A recent Starship launch out of Texas ended in disaster, with the rocket exploding and sending debris raining down near the Turks and Caicos Islands. Amidst the chaos, some entrepreneurs have found a way to profit from the wreckage.
For example, a piece of a heat tile that fell into the ocean was sold on eBay for $4,500 after 32 bids. However, other items are being offered at lower prices, with one fin of a heat tile listed for just $160.
Government officials warned residents of the risk of hazardous materials in the debris, but SpaceX assured them there were no hazards present. The company advised people to not handle or retrieve the debris themselves and to call local authorities instead.
The incident has led to an online market for Starship memorabilia, with items such as special employee patches and launch pad rebars being sold for thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, SpaceX is facing a setback, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounding its Starship program until further notice.
Despite this, SpaceX appears to be moving forward with plans for another launch. A filing with the Federal Communications Commission indicates the next flight could take place as early as February 24.
Source: https://www.chron.com/culture/article/spacex-starship-explosion-pieces-texas-20100269.php